US Northeast
Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School
Magoosh Advice
Test-optional is taking over the MBA world, but what do the top MBA admissions committees want to see?
Overview
Located in Boston, Harvard Business School is synonymous with top-tier business education, renowned for its case-based teaching and an impressive global alumni network. Its commitment to leadership development prepares students to excel in a complex global business environment, offering an educational journey that fosters personal and professional growth, equipping graduates to make significant contributions to the business world.
Application Stats
Harvard Business School attracts more applicants than any other top business school. With 86% of admitted students choosing to enroll, it maintains the highest yield rate, reflecting its status as a highly competitive and sought-after MBA program.
Demographics
Test Scores
HBS has no minimum GMAT or GRE to apply and they do not have a preference toward one test or the other. They will accept the new, shorter GRE beginning September 2023 and the GMAT Focus beginning April 2024.
Beyond The Numbers
Education
Students heading to Harvard Business School not only bring a diverse academic background, but they also arrive with strong academic performance, boasting an average undergraduate GPA of 3.73. Notably, 11% of the student body are trailblazers in their families, being the first generation to attend college, which adds to the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the HBS community.
Work Experience
Before attending Harvard Business School, students come from a diverse array of professional backgrounds, with the largest segments having worked in consulting and venture capital/private equity, each constituting 17% of the cohort. The technology sector also represents a significant pre-MBA industry with 13% of students, while traditional sectors like financial services and consumer products/retail each account for 10%. This variety showcases the breadth of experiences that converge at HBS, reflecting the school's appeal to professionals from both conventional and emerging sectors.
Post-MBA
After graduating from Harvard Business School, the majority of students gravitate towards finance (33%) and consulting (26%), highlighting the school's strength in these traditional MBA industries. Additionally, a significant 17% move into private equity, reflecting the school's strong ties to the investment community. Geographically, most alumni remain in the United States, with a substantial 54% working in the Northeast, showcasing the school's influence in the region's economic landscape.
